An Nuacht

The Newsletter of

The Order of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh - Essex Division

A 501c(3) Non Profit Organization

August 7, 2025

You’re Invited! Summer Member-Guest BBQ at the Shillelagh Club – August 13

Mark your calendars and grab a friend—The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, Essex Division, will be hosting our Summer Member-Guest Barbeque Meeting on Tuesday, August 13 at the Shillelagh Club in West Orange.

This is more than just burgers and beverages—it’s a chance to gather with fellow members, share the spirit of our brotherhood, and introduce new friends to what makes our club so special. Whether they’re Irish by blood or just Irish at heart, this evening is the perfect way for prospective members to experience the camaraderie, traditions, and good humor that define the Shillelaghs.

Beverages will be served and the grill will be hot. We encourage all members to bring a guest—whether it's a neighbor, coworker, or longtime friend—who might be interested in joining our great organization.

Come for the BBQ, stay for the brotherhood.

Date: Tuesday, August 13

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: The Shillelagh Club, 648 Prospect Ave, West Orange, NJ

Preserving Our Legacy: FSOS Launches Major Exterior Renovation Project

The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh is proud to announce the commencement of a major exterior renovation project for our clubhouse on Prospect Avenue—a building we’ve called home since 1967. After nearly six decades within these walls, the time has come to invest in preserving and enhancing the exterior of our historic home.

The scope of the project includes essential structural and aesthetic upgrades to restore the exterior façade and ensure the long-term integrity of the building. With an estimated cost exceeding $80,000, this is one of the most ambitious capital projects our organization has undertaken in recent memory.

The effort is being spearheaded by dedicated and capable members—Ollie Browne (Ollie Browne & Sons Electric), Marty Meehan (Air Group), Kevin Cunningham Electrical, Aidan McClusky, Karl Burke and Bill Kohlman—who bring both professional expertise and a deep commitment to the project and the club. The project is already off to a strong start, with careful planning, responsible budgeting, and a clear vision for revitalizing our building while honoring its rich history.

This investment not only preserves the physical structure of our club—it reaffirms our commitment to maintaining a welcoming space for current and future generations of Shillelaghs. The improved exterior will better reflect the pride we take in our club and serve as a fitting gateway to the traditions we uphold inside.

As the project progresses, members will have opportunities to support and participate in various ways. Whether through hands-on volunteering, sponsorship opportunities, or contributions to the capital fund, your involvement will be key to our success.

Stay tuned for updates in upcoming issues of the newsletter and during our monthly meetings. We extend our sincere thanks to all who will lend a hand as we take this important step forward together.

Let’s continue to build on the legacy our founders began in 1971 when they purchased the property—brick by brick, brother by brother.

Club is still open during the renovation - so come on in for a burger and a beer!

Now in our 19th consecutive year and having raised over $1.3 Million, the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh are proud to again host a St. Baldrick’s Foundation event on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at our clubhouse at 648 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, NJ. Time is still TBD—but mark your calendars now!

Join us as we stand in solidarity with children battling cancer. Whether you’re brave enough to go bald or just want to support the cause, it promises to be a fun and meaningful day for all. There’ll be good company, great energy, and plenty of Shillelagh spirit.

Want to get involved or learn more? Reach out to Kevin Kinney for details on how to participate, donate, or volunteer.

Ready to donate or signup for the shave? Follow the link below:

St. Baldrick's Event at the FSOS

Essex, It’s Our Turn to Swing South —

Join the FSOS Quint Shillelagh Golf Outing in Myrtle Beach!

Calling all golfers, craic seekers, and champions of the friendly rivalry between Shillelagh clubs!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 16, 2025, as the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh of the Carolinas hosts the annual Quint Shillelagh Golf Outing at the legendary Legends Golf Course in Myrtle Beach, SC. This rotating tradition brings together members from all five FSOS clubs — Old Bridge, Belmar, Ocean, Myrtle Beach, and Essex — for a weekend of camaraderie, competition, and good cheer.

Payment Information:

• Cost: $150 (covers the event only)
• Deadline: August 31, 2025
• Payable by:
• Check: Made out to FSOS with memo: Quint Golf
• Venmo: @ShillelaghClub — Label the payment memo: Quint Golf

To Sign Up:

• Visit the sign-up link here: Sign-Up Genius
• Please include:
• Shirt size
• Dates you’ll be in Myrtle Beach (in the "comments" section)

Let’s fill all 16 spots and make this another unforgettable FSOS event!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out:

Bill Kohlman

973-886-0988

What’s included:

• Green fees and cart
• Continental breakfast
• Golf shirt (be sure to include your size when registering!)
• Contests for longest drive and closest to the pin
• Lunch with beverages
• Awards dinner with food and 2-hour open bar

Tee Times:

7:30 AM to 9:40 AM — Captain’s Choice Format

Lodging:

On-site lodging available, with a pub within walking distance. Call 1-800-299-6187 ext. 2300 for reservations.

This is more than just a golf outing — it’s a tradition among the FSOS brotherhood. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just out for the laughs, the Quint is a fantastic way to represent the Essex Division and connect with Shillelaghs from every corner of the map.

October 11, 12pm - WO SPDP Committee, Family Fun Day, @the Shillelagh Club

November 16, 2025 - FSOS Quint Golf Outing, Myrtle Beach, SC

Editor's Note: Ancient Ireland & History Roundtable is presented by the History Committee of the FSOS and hopes to bring to life the richness of Irish history with curated and authored articles by members. Submissions for publication are encouraged, subject to Editorial staff approval.

Shillelagh History: Thomas Francis Meagher

By Seamus Brosnan

Thomas Francis Meagher (pronounced “Marr”; 1823–1867) lived an extraordinary life that made him a symbol of courage, resilience, and transatlantic Irish identity. From revolutionary Ireland to Civil War America and the wild frontiers of Montana, Meagher’s journey embodies the Irish American spirit of resistance, exile, and reinvention.

Born to Lead in Ireland

Meagher was born in Waterford, Ireland, to a prosperous Catholic family. Educated by Jesuits and trained as a lawyer, he became a brilliant orator and a rising star in the Young Ireland movement—an intellectual and revolutionary group seeking Irish independence from British rule.

In 1848, he helped lead a failed uprising against British authority. Arrested and convicted of treason, he was sentenced to death, but the sentence was commuted to penal exile in Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania).

Exile, Escape, and a New Life in America

Meagher escaped from Tasmania in 1852 and made his way to the United States, where he was welcomed as a hero among Irish Americans. He quickly became a leading voice in the Irish diaspora, giving speeches, writing for newspapers, and advocating for Irish nationalism and civil liberties.

Civil War Hero

When the American Civil War broke out, Meagher supported the Union cause and helped raise the Fighting 69th New York Infantry, a unit made up largely of Irish immigrants. He rose to the rank of brigadier general, leading the Irish Brigade in some of the bloodiest battles of the war—Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville.

The Irish Brigade earned a reputation for extraordinary bravery and staggering losses. Meagher’s leadership inspired pride among Irish Americans and helped challenge anti-Irish prejudice in U.S. society.

Governor of Montana Territory

After the war, Meagher was appointed acting governor of the Montana Territory in 1865. There, he tried to promote unity and civic development, but faced political infighting, violence, and lawlessness. His time in Montana was chaotic and brief.

In 1867, Meagher mysteriously disappeared after falling from a steamboat into the Missouri River. His body was never recovered, and speculation about foul play or assassination persists to this day.

Legacy in Irish America

To Irish Americans, Thomas Francis Meagher remains a heroic and romantic figure—a rebel turned general, a man who fought for freedom on two continents, and a symbol of how exile and adversity could be turned into a new kind of leadership. His legacy endures in:

• Statues in Waterford, Ireland and Helena, Montana

• His stirring speeches, including the first public use of the term “Irish tricolor” as a symbol of unity

• Streets, schools, and parks named in his honor across the U.S.

Meagher’s life bridges two national struggles and reflects the broader Irish immigrant story: rebellion, displacement, and reinvention in the New World.

Ollie Browne’s Wild Atlantic Way Motorcycle Trip

In July, I rode the Wild Atlantic Way on a Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, kicking off from Adare and heading south to Kinsale, Co Cork, where I paid my respects at the 9/11 Memorial. From there, I tore through West Cork and Kerry along the Caha Pass, Moll’s Gap, and the stunning Connor Pass en route to Dingle. Had a few at the South Pole Inn in Annascaul and, in true Christy Moore fashion, “headed west to Krugers to murder pints of stout.” Caught trad at the

Willie Clancy Festival in Milltown Malbay, Co Clare before rolling into my home village of The Neale, Co. Mayo for a catch-up with old friends. Met some former Air Corps buddies in Westport for beers and war stories, then rode out to the rugged beauty of Achill Island and on to the towering cliffs of Sliabh Liag in Donegal. Touched the northern tip of Ireland at Malin Head, crossed into the North on the way home, and stopped by the Meehan family homestead in Derrygonnelly, Co. Fermanagh. Sally the sheepdog was home, but no one else! Finished the loop back in Galway, just in time for my nephew’s wedding in Fairymount, County Roscommon. Jackie and the boys traveled for the wedding. An unforgettable experience. Go do it, by foot, bike, motorbike, car, or ass and cart, you won’t regret it.

FSOS Supports the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust

By Ollie Browne

Whilst on my recent motorcycle trip along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way I stopped off in my home village of The Neale in County Mayo. I met up with my very good friends Gerry and Miriam Walsh. Gerry and I played Gaelic football together for The Neale at both underage and adult level back in the day. The Walsh's took me to The Neale's GAA Playing fields at Cong on a Saturday morning where there were probably 100 children from ages six to sixteen broken up into small groups, being taught the skills of Gaelic football by volunteer coaches. It was very refreshing. 

Like many families from the west of Ireland, members of the Walsh family chose to immigrate to work hard and carve out a better lifestyle. Gerry has two brothers based in the US, and a brother in England. It was of no surprise when Gerry and Miriam's second son Darragh (22) took up a job offer in Qatar after he finished College in 2013. I knew Darragh, he was a bright, articulate, fun loving young man....a gifted athlete, he was a member of The Neale GAA Junior football panel that captured the Mayo County title in 2012.

Tragedy struck when Darragh lost his life in a road traffic accident in Qatar in November 2013. While the Walsh's were trying to come to grips with the dreadful news, they received a phone call from Colin Bell, founder of "The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust" Colin offered the Walsh's support in their time of need.

Colin and Eithne Bell are very familiar with tragedy. Their son Kevin died in a hit and run in Queens NY in June 2013. Information on the trust can be found on kbrtrust.com.

Every summer The Walsh family in conjunction with The Neale GAA host a 7 a side Gaelic football tournament (FB Friends Of Darragh 7 a Side) in memory of Darragh. Any funds generated are donated to the KBRT.

In keeping with The Essex Shillelagh's long and cherished tradition of giving back, I was in a position to present the Walsh family with 1,000 Euro check, proceeds from the Shillelagh's 2025 Exhibition Of Irish Sports. Our donation has been forwarded to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust

Shillelaghs About and About: monthly posting of members & friends at our club, at our events or proudly wearing Shillelagh Swag anywhere in the world. Bring your Swag where ever you go and send pics to corresponding@shillelaghclub.com .

Dressed for Success as an Essex Shillelagh

The Executive Board has approved the Shillelagh uniform for 2025. 

All of what is listed below is considered part of the Official uniform for all members.  

Shillelagh Blazer 

• Call Ambassador Uniform at (800) 711-5885 x104. Ask to speak with sales and tell them you are calling to order:
• Shillelagh Blazer, Style #2013 in Hunter Green 
• Price is $76.90 (as of this email) 
• Turnaround time is 2-3 weeks

Shillelagh Patch

• The Shillelagh patch will be provided by the Club for members who have secured their Shillelagh blazer. Please speak with Kevin Kinney kevinkinney1@gmail.com.

Shillelagh Tie

• The Shillelagh tie is available for purchase at the Club. Please speak with Kevin Kinney kevinkinney1@gmail.com.

Slacks

• We have selected one style of charcoal gray slacks that members must wear. These slacks are available for purchase on Amazon, through this link Shillelagh Slacks
• Haggar Men's Premium Comfort Classic Fit Pleat Front Pant 
• Color: Charcoal **color is the most important aspect, as it is the most visible to those viewing the Club as we march together. If your size is not available in this particular pant, please purchase a similar model in Haggar charcoal**
• Price is variable by size (as of this email)

Shillelagh Cap

• The Shillelagh cap is available for purchase from Sashay Studios, through this link Shillelagh Cap
• Price is $15.00 (as of this email)   

Shillelagh Sweater

• The Shillelagh sweater is available for purchase from Sashay Studios, through this Shillelagh Sweater
• Price is $38.00 (as of this email) 

Shirt

• White button down dress shirt

Shoes 

• Black dress shoes



Looking forward to seeing everyone looking good come parade season!

An Nuacht is published monthly by the Corresponding Secretary, Jim McGuire.

For information, submissions or advertising, please contact Jim McGuire at corresponding@shillelghclub.com